Arsenal claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over QPR at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

The Gunners controlled possession for much of the game, but found it hard to make the breakthrough. Spaniard Santi Cazorla wasted one of Arsenal’s best chances of the game in the second half firing high over the cross bar when well placed.

The game turned Arsenal’s way in the 80^th minute, as Stephane Mbia was dismissed for a silly kick-out at Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen.

It didn’t take long for the Gunners to take advantage of the numerical difference, as Arsene Wenger’s side took the lead on 84 minutes.

A melee in the Arsenal area resulted in Mikel Arteta heading against the cross bar, before scoring from close-range. Replays later showed that the Spaniard was offside.

QPR forward Jamie Mackie had a superb chance to equalise for the ten men late-on but could only fire straight at Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone when one-on-one with the Italian.

Champions Manchester City also claimed a 1-0 victory, defeating Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium. Swansea controlled the first half and the home side were lucky to go in at the break all square.

However in the second half the home side came into it more and a well struck effort from striker Carlos Tevez gave the Citizens the lead just after the hour mark. The game was marred by injuries to City defender Micah Richards and Swansea keep Michel Vorm, after the pair collided.

The victory took Manchester City into second place in the Premier League, but rivals Manchester United could replace them with a victory over Chelsea.

Elsewhere, Stoke and Sunderland played out a dour 0-0 draw at the Britannia Stadium. This encounter was also marred by an injury, with Stoke defender Marc Wilson suffering a broken fibula.

Other results from Saturday:

Wigan 2-1 West Ham

Reading 3-3 Fulham

Aston Villa 1-1 Norwich

Can Manchester City reproduce the form of last season?